Memorizing Shakespeare Can be Easy with These Tips

There are many reasons a person may choose to memorize Shakespeare. Some of the more common reasons are when a person receives a role in a play or for the romantic minded person. I also know friends who memorize Shakespeare as a conversation piece or to change topics when the current conversation is especially dry. Whatever your reasons for memorizing Shakespeare, here are some effective tips to commit it to memory.

Understand Shakespeare

Before you commit to memorizing Shakespeare, it is important that you understand what you are trying to memorize. If you are choosing to memorize a few lines from one of his plays, it is important to carefully read the play in its entirety and attempt to understand it. Another way to understand Shakespeare is to watch the play. Many of Shakespeare plays are now movies. Simply choose the title of the play you are attempting to memorize lines from, rent it and watch it on your television. Once you fully understand what you are attempting to memorize, you will experience greater success committing it to memory.

3 x 5 Index Cards

After you have a good understanding of the Shakespeare play, record the lines you wish to memorize on 3 x 5 cards. Write one to three sentences on each card. It is a good idea not to include more than three sentences per card, because these cards will help you memorize more effectively if there are fewer words per card. Now sit and read through the cards several times in order. After you have read them through, you can begin to test yourself. Before reading the first card, say the first line (or few lines to yourself). Now read the card and see if you did it right. Next say the next few lines (without looking at the second card). Again, you can test yourself. If you find you are still struggling with the lines, you can read through them again several times before testing yourself once more. The three by five cards are also a great tool to allow a friend to test you.

Practice Reciting Words with a Partner

Ask someone to speak the lines with you and play the role of the other person. You can then recite or read your lines several times until you have them memorized. If you want ideas on how to say Shakespeare lines more effectively (especially helpful if you will be performing the role in a play), ask your friend to recite your lines while you recite the lines of the opposite role. This will help you learn some other ways of expressing the lines for your part. It is incredibly helpful to see and hear the lines from another person's point of view. Do you have a lead role? Choose several friends and ask them each to recite your lines while you recite the lines of your opposite. You will gain a perspective of the part from several different views.

Recite Your Lines on Tape

Record yourself saying your lines using a tape deck or microphone on your PC. Once you have a tape or CD, you will now be able to listen to your lines over and over again in the car or while your work on the computer (for the sake of those around you, please use headphones). This method will help ingrain the words into your mind quickly and efficiently without a lot of effort.

Recite the Lines in Front of the Mirror

Seeing yourself recite the lines will not only allow yourself to see the lines and help commit them to memory, it will also help you more effectively portray the role of your Shakespeare character. You can watch your mannerisms and expressions to find out if you are conveying the role effectively.

Record Yourself with a Video Camera

This may be one of the more effective ways to memorizing and performing your role well. However, this too is not for the faint of heart. It is hard to watch and hear yourself on video. However, this is one of the more effective ways to quickly learn to improve your Shakespeare character. Performing for your own eyes with a video camera will help you quickly point out areas you can improve.

Post Your Shakespeare quotes all over the House

Use Post-in-Notes or tape paper all over the house with one to three of your Shakespeare lines. You will find yourself reading Shakespeare while you get ready for work, brush your teeth, and eat your cereal. You will live and breath Shakespeare.

Turn the Lines into Music

If you are the creative sort, create music using Shakespeare lines. It has been proven that music helps to memorize material quickly and effectively. Your family members may wonder however when you start singing "To Be or Not to Be" in the shower!

Repeat the Lines

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition! Repeat the lines over and over again out loud or in your head. You may get tired of it, but this method works!

Clap the Rhythm of the Shakespeare Lines

Because Shakespeare is poetry, you can clap the rhythm. For some people learning the rhythm of the Shakespeare lines is a key to committing them to memory. Try this tip and see if it works for you!

No matter what method you use to memorize Shakespeare, you will find that knowing Shakespeare improves your life and conversations. Dates are often impressed by a good knowledge of Shakespeare. Well used Shakespeare can be an effective conversation starter too! Whatever your reason for memorizing Shakespeare, these methods will help you learn it well.